My tortoise is buried, has sunken eyes & eye residue. Is he sick?

Continue to treat as indicated by your veterinarian. Offer a varied diet rich in Vitamin A. Broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, dandelion greens and collard greens are just a few foods rich in this vitamin. Confirm proper temperature. A cold tortoise will not eat. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 30 minutes. This will warm him up and may treat or prevent mild dehydration.

This could be due to a vitamin A deficiency. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and supplement with a powdered multi vitamin dusted onto food. If this doesn't help, see your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Try to get the humidity down to between 40% and 60%. Maintain the humid hides at the levels described.

Thanks for reaching out about Zuzu and including photos. This is likely an infection with a hypovitaminosis A component. Offer a warm water soak and gently ladle water over the head/eyes. With a moistened clean washcloth, try and open the eyes. Review diet and husbandry, as being at the Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ) for the species will help stimulate the immune system. Diet should include fresh red/yellow/orange vegetables to improve vitamin A intake. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan that could include injectable and ophthalmic antibiotics. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Ketchup. Swollen eyes are likely infections, possibly due to a vitamin A deficiency. A veterinary visit is recommended. She is probably is not trying to hibernate but is weak/sick. Systemic antibiotics and vitamin A supplementation are also probably needed. A thermometer is needed to provide POTZ (Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone), which is require for immune stimulation and recovery. Good luck.

Make sure he is not chilled. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. A Vitamin A deficiency may be responsible for the eye issues. Feed a good quality commercial diet and supplement with dark, leafy greens and fresh vegetables. Dust food with a calcium and multivitamin supplement several times weekly as well. Provide an adequate UVA/UVB light source that runs the length of the tank. Position it no more than 14 inches away from him. Do not place glass or plexiglass between him and the UVB source. Juveniles normally have a soft shell until about 6-8 months of age when it begins to harden.

Check the temps in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. A soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte can provide warmth and treat or prevent minor dehydration. The loose scutes may be normal shedding or not. An exam would be needed to diagnose any underlying cause. If the condition does not improve, have your tortoise examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If you need to find a vet, use the link below. https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

Hello there. Yes it does sound like a Vitamin A deficiency. Bathing him in carrot puree is not likely to help. You need to get him some topical eye drops such as these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11311&cmpid=07cseYY&ref=6196&subref=AA&cmpid=PLA_G_6196&gclid=CK6lo834ktQCFVKPfgodyvoJKA I am unsure what product is comparable in the UK. If you go to a reptile pet store I am sure they would have something. You honestly need to address the husbandry issues - diet, humidity, lighting, etc. This article may help. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=2589 Reptiles have a slow metabolism so they get sick slowly and hence it will take a long time for them to get well. Don't expect an overnight fix. My best recommendation would be to have him evaluated by a reptile veterinarian so you can get the best treatment plan as he may have more going on than just the Vitamin A issue. I hope this helps. Dr. Amber